Route 30 East, April 1975

 

Two days of checking motels, fast food restaurants, and car dealers turned up nothing. It seemed the Kincaids had vanished. Yuri was getting some pressure from Moscow to move on, expand the search area west of Pittsburgh. He stuck to his operational instincts. Yuri had moved his operating base to a motel in Latrobe, Pa., and was actively participating in the search. He needed to make sure the search wasn’t so intensive and visible it could attract police attention or media coverage. Maybe if they didn’t soon find the trail, he would arrange to get a piece of news into the local papers that might flush Kalin from his rat hole.

On the morning of the third day, Yuri went into the Latrobe Cadillac dealership. When he asked the salesman if he recognized Kalin’s picture, the salesman said, “Sure. I sold him a late model Cadillac for cash. I see the car from time to time. He must still be in the area. Why? Can I interest you in a car?”

“Afraid not. Beyond my bank account. But I would like some information on the man in this picture. I’m a private detective working for a Pittsburgh law firm to find this man and get him to testify in a big civil suit against the company he worked for. If you can give me some identifying information, I’m authorized to pay a small fee. It will be at least $50.”

“I don’t know much about Mr. Webb. I can give you a good description of the car and a copy of the sales contract.”

“You just made $150.”

“Great. Give me a minute and I’ll make a copy of the sales agreement and the trade-in title.”

Ten minutes later Yuri was sitting in the back seat reading the contract. He tapped the driver on the shoulder. “Pull into that parking lot and park.”

Though handwritten and faint, the name Kincaid was clearly on the copy of the car title.

Turning to the other KGB officer in the passenger seat, Yuri said, “Get on the radio and tell everyone to come back to the motel.”

When everyone was present, Yuri started by saying, “Kalin is here is this town. He is using the name Jake Webb.

“They are driving a black, late model Cadillac Eldorado with temporary plates. His wife could be driving, so look for the car. Never mind trying to get a picture. Don’t try to take them. Use very discreet surveillance tactics. Kalin is very good at detecting surveillance. Maybe he trained his wife. So be extra careful. Do not get too close. Switch cars often. Your task is only to find out where the Webbs are living. We need that information soon. Do not attract the attention of the local police. The plan is to stake out major crossroads, particularly monitor traffic going and coming on Route 30 west of Latrobe. One car will cruise the town. Break off the stakeouts at midnight and get some sleep. Back on the sites assigned at 7:00 AM. Switch cars and positions every four or five hours. Keep off the radios unless it is important. You have your assignments. Find this traitor.”